Instruction. Encyclopedia Britannica

Reference: Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2017, May 30).
computer-assisted
instruction. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/computer-assisted-
instruction
Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), a program of instructional material presented by means of a

computer or computer systems.
The use of computers in education started in the 1960s. With the advent of convenient
microcomputers in the 1970s, computer use in schools has become widespread from primary
education through the university level and even in some preschool programs. Instructional computers
are basically used in one of two ways: either they provide a straightforward presentation of data or they
fill a tutorial role in which the student is tested on comprehension.
If the computer has a tutorial program, the student is asked a question by the computer; the
student types in an answer and then gets an immediate response to the answer. If the answer is correct,
the student is routed to more challenging problems; if the answer is incorrect, various computer
messages will indicate the flaw in procedure, and the program will bypass more complicated questions
until the student shows mastery in that area.
There are many advantages to using computers in educational instruction. They provide one-to-
one interaction with a student, as well as an instantaneous response to the answers elicited, and allow
students to proceed at their own pace. Computers are particularly useful in subjects that require drill,
freeing teacher time from some classroom tasks so that a teacher can devote more time to individual
students. A computer program can be used diagnostically, and, once a student’s problem has been
identified, it can then focus on the problem area. Finally, because of the privacy and individual attention
afforded by a computer, some students are relieved of the embarrassment of giving an incorrect answer
publicly or of going more slowly through lessons than other classmates.
There are drawbacks to the implementation of computers in instruction, however. They are
generally costly systems to purchase, maintain, and update. There are also fears, whether justified or
not, that the use of computers in education decreases the amount of human interaction.
One of the more difficult aspects of instructional computers is the availability and development
of software, or computer programs. Courseware can be bought as a fully developed package from a
software company, but the program provided this way may not suit the particular needs of the
individual class or curriculum. A courseware template may be purchased, which provides a general
format for tests and drill instruction, with the individual particulars to be inserted by the individual
school system or teacher. The disadvantage to this system is that instruction tends to be boring and
repetitive, with tests and questions following the same pattern for every course. Software can be
developed in-house, that is, a school, course, or teacher could provide the courseware exactly tailored
to its own needs, but this is expensive, time-consuming, and may require more programming expe rtise
than is available.
Reference : Sample Thesis: Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) (dissertationmaster.net)
Computer Assisted Instruction has significantly improved the learning

capabilities of the learning-disabled students. The recent researches have
demonstrated its success in attracting students with learning disability to keep
their focus on studies and improving comprehension and memorizing skills of
lessons and stories. However, there is little research on the impact of CAI on
learning-disabled students’ skill acquisition. To fill this gap, this study intends to
conduct an experimental research by arranging two groups of students, the one
will receive CAI while the other will receive the traditional instruction for
learning. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of CAI on the
skill acquisition of the LD students.
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is a powerful tool to improve the learning

capacity of students with learning disabilities. According to Lewis and Doorlag
(1999), CAI is an adaptive technology that can enable students with severe
learning disabilities to become active learners. Because computer assisted
instruction has been positively related to increase achievement of low ability
students (Edwards, Norton, Taylor, Weiss, and Dusseldorp, 1975), many special
educators have incorporated it into their instructional programs. CAI has been
reported to particularly well suited for the instruction of students with learning
problems (Hallworth and Drebner, 1980; Sandals, 1975; Turlington, 1980). CAI
incorporated several features instruction of learning disabled (LD) students;
features such as the computer’s unique capability for individualization,
interactive learning, feedback, motivation, and repetition.
It is generally recognized under most conceptions of learning disabilities that

there is a variety of reasons why children may have difficulty leaning in school
(Senf, 1976). Additionally, there are significant individual differences in learning
rates and in levels of knowledge and understanding among students in general
(Suppes, 1968). CAI offers the capability of providing individually tailored
instructional programs, designed to meet each student’s special needs. The
flexibility of CAI allows instruction to be easily adapted to the ever-changing
needs of the learner. Also, with CAI individualization, all students are permitted
to learn at the same high degree of achievement regardless of the time period
involved (mastery learning).
Learning disabilities are problems that affect the brain’s ability to input, process,
analyze and store information (Antonious & Souvignier, 2007). Due to these
problems, LD students have been described as “passive learners” (Torgesen,
1980) who do not perform well in school because they fail to adapt to tasks
through the use efficient and organized strategies. Likewise, their work and
study habits are often disorganized. The one-on-one interactive nature of the
computer medium involves the students as an active participant. An ongoing
dialogue between the student and computer program structured, the computer
presenting information in an organized way and teaching the student to respond
within the program’s parameters. Students can actively control their progress
through presented information, the sequence of material, and the timing of
presentation.

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Reference: Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2017, May 30).

Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), a program of instructional material presented by means of a

Computer Assisted Instruction has significantly improved the learning

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is a powerful tool to improve the learning

It is generally recognized under most conceptions of learning disabilities that

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